Place de la Comédie (Le Grande Théâtre)

Place de la Comédie is the most ostentatiously impressive part of Bordeaux, not just for the square itself but also for the views from each corner of it.

The square is home to the iconic Grand Théâtre (no translation required), as well as the luxurious Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux opposite (again, no translation necessary). In each direction, avenues extend out of eyesight, and you can see marvels such as the Monument aux Girondins on Place des Quinconces.

After a fire destroyed the city’s main theatre in 1756, so the Grand Théâtre was constructed between 1773 and 1780 by architect Victor Louis. Its façade has twelve corinthian columns, and if you take a look above you’ll see some carved statues.

Today, the theatre is the seat of the Opéra National de Bordeaux. The interior is every bit as majestic as the remarkable exterior. You might be forgiven for finding it hard to believe that the building is domed, however if you stand far enough back on Allées de Tourny you can see this architectural beauty.

The area around Place de la Comédie is great to do some shopping if you’re looking for major brands, with one of the sides of the square opening up on to the famous Rue Saint Catherine.

Opposite the Grand Théâtre is the equally beautiful Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, if you are feeling extravagant, with rooms starting at around 300€ a night and there’s a very posh rooftop bar.

LOCAL TIP: The square features the restaurants of two super star celebrity chefs, Gorden Ramsay in the Grand Hotel and his French equivalent Philip Etchebest over the road in the Grand Theatre!